Breathe

Pause IV Day 14 Quiet

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Pause IV, Day 14

I’ve always been captivated by the word “quiet” in the Bible. Being still and silent is not something I do well, or often. When my watch reminds me to breathe for one whole minutes, I feel like it’s an eternity!

Being quiet before the Lord, submitting to the discipline of waiting for Him, takes intentional practice over time. The more we practice, the better our hearts become at willingly waiting and silently being still.

When we are silent, the Lord speaks most clearly.
While we wait, the Lord acts.
As we sit still, God trains our hearts to trust Him, instead of ourselves.

Habakkuk has heard the unequivocal word of the Lord to bring about His justice on His people, Israel. He has reminded himself of the Lord’s sovereignty, His kindness, His righteousness, His deliverance, and protection of His people.

Where Habakkuk has wrestled with tongue and spirit against the Lord,
he now sits quietly waiting.

Tomorrow, a beautiful unveiling of Habakkuk’s changed heart is poetically revealed, but first, quiet.

Hush, be still, wait quietly for what the Lord will do.

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down all of Habakkuk 3:16 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com).

2) Take time to wander through these Scripture passages on being quiet before the Lord, letting His Spirit teach you. Copy down 1 or 2 verses onto notecards and place in prominent spots in your home so you can memorize them in the coming days. Share them with a friend and ask her to memorize them with you!
Exodus 14:14, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 37:7, Job 6:24, 1 Peter 3:4, Lamentations 3:26, Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 26:3, Mark 1:35, Isaiah 30:15, Habakkuk 2:20

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Habakkuk 3:16

I hear, and my body trembles;
my lips quiver at the sound;
rottenness enters into my bones;
my legs tremble beneath me.
Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble
to come upon people who invade us.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause IV Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause IV!

Pause IV Day 13 Limitless

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Pause IV, Day 13

In the middle of my day, my conflict, my relationships, my marriage, my friendships, my worry, my mess, my inabilities, my weakness, it becomes apparent how limited I am.

How striking is the contrast Habakkuk paints of our God!

As you dig into today’s passage and write it down, word-for-word, be intentional to slow your heart. Breathe deeply. This is the Word of the Lord to your heart for your everyday!

There is no power beyond God’s abilities to apprehend and overcome. There is no wisdom wiser than His. No authority above His. Nothing escapes His sight, His understanding, or His knowledge in how to bring about victory in it.

He is the Lord.
He is limitless.
How does this affect your view of your own messy everyday and your weaknesses?

For more sweet passages describing God’s ultimate power and authority over all things, check out Psalm 18 and Romans 8!

Rest assured, there is no distance the Lord is not willing to go to rescue your heart!

Today's Invitation

1) Be a scribe and copy the precious words of Scripture down word for word. Make space in your journal to write down every word of Habakkuk 3:7-15 today. As you copy, lookup a cross reference or two as you come to them (they are the small letters next to certain words in your study Bible or online at www.biblia.com). As you write, consider the limitless power and authority of our God! He is near, He is not far. He sees all, and He will most assuredly bring justice, and He will defend and guard His own people who call upon Him for salvation. Which verse stands out to you as being especially for your heart as a message from God?

2) Choose one of these options to live boldly with authentic honesty in biblical community. As we grow deeper in God’s Word, the Lord designed us to share and grow with others walking alongside us.
            a) Take a photo of your journal time this week and share it, or share a quote from it.
            b) Do a Facebook Live on the GT Community group and share how God has been working in you.
            c) Leave a comment here about it.
            d) Share something God has been showing you in a comment at the GT Community Group 
            e) Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend and share what you’ve been learning and soaking in as you have hit Pause.
            f) Write a note of encouragement to a sister who has been through the nitty-gritty of real life with you. Let her know how deeply she has impacted your walk with Christ.
            g) For some of us, having a “2am friend” to build biblical community with is a new concept. If that’s you, this is an exciting, fresh place to be! Connect with our Facebook Community, send us an email, reach out to your local church body, seek out a small group and plug in! 

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!

Join the GT Community on Facebook!

Habakkuk 3:7-15

7 I see the tents of Cushan in distress;
the tent curtains of the land of Midian tremble.
8 Are you angry at the rivers, Lord?
Is your wrath against the rivers?
Or is your fury against the sea
when you ride on your horses,
your victorious chariot?
9 You took the sheath from your bow;
the arrows are ready to be used with an oath. Selah
You split the earth with rivers.
10 The mountains see you and shudder;
a downpour of water sweeps by.
The deep roars with its voice
and lifts its waves high.
11 Sun and moon stand still in their lofty residence,
at the flash of your flying arrows,
at the brightness of your shining spear.
12 You march across the earth with indignation;
you trample down the nations in wrath.
13 You come out to save your people,
to save your anointed.
You crush the leader of the house of the wicked
and strip him from foot to neck. Selah
14 You pierce his head
with his own spears;
his warriors storm out to scatter us,
gloating as if ready to secretly devour the weak.
15 You tread the sea with your horses,
stirring up the vast water.

How Does “Pause” Work?
1. Each day, Monday through Friday, for 3 weeks, we will provide you with an invitation to get away with the Savior. Each one is designed for you to engage with the Almighty in a deeper way and perhaps in a new way than you have been recently.

2. Having a journal is a must! You’ll want to take notes as you walk this special Journey of Pause.

3. Each week focuses on one or two passage of Scripture and we walk with you as you study and flesh these out for yourself. As you write your thoughts, read His Word, and pray, questions might come up. That’s Perfect! Ask a trusted fellow believer, a pastor, or send us an email as you work through them!

4. Jumping in at the middle? No problem! Here is the entire Journey Theme.

5. Connect with others on Facebook by visiting our GT Community Group!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Pause IV Week Three!
Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme? Here’s a link to all past studies
in Pause IV!

Focus Day 6 Listen Up

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Read His Words Before Ours!

James 3:1-12
Proverbs 4
Psalm 34:1-5
1 Samuel 21

Focus, Day 6

Abba, how would You have me manage my stress? My hours are ticking, I want to go running, I’m so annoyed that I can’t, I know I am keep people at arm’s length.
I know You’ve called my words and actions to consistently speak of Your Love…..but, Lord?
I can’t handle people!

I need space and time and running. And I have none of those.
My words are sharp to others. Critical. Passive-aggressive. Tense. Rude.
I know You’ve called me to love others, but I just can’t, Lord. I can’t.

“Listen, my daughter, accept My words.
Guard them, they are life for you.”

I will bless the Lord at all times.
His praise will always be on my lips.
I will boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear and be glad.
Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;
Let us exalt His Name together.

Your words from Psalm 34:1-3.
Your Words, Abba.

I think I can relate to David here, Lord. Not because I am faithfully blessing You or boasting constantly of You to others, but because of the tense insanity of David’s moments as he penned the words.
Maybe the force of his stress prompted a moment of sitting with You, like I am tonight.
Maybe as He sat, pouring out his frustration and complete inabilities and fears,
perhaps Your Spirit stirred within Him.
And there, in his frustrated anxiety, You, Spirit, reminded Him to bless the Lord at all times, as You’re reminding me.
To boast of You that others would know You.
To proclaim You and Your greatness, even in the midst of insane chaos.

Maybe, in this simple call to worship, You rearranged the too-tight, anxiety-ridden places inside David’s heart, just as You’re doing in mine tonight.

It wasn’t up to David and his skill or his political prowess to get him out of the Philistine’s land, it was up to You.

I will bless the Lord
at
all
times.

His praise will
always
be on my lips.

I will boast in the Lord.

A call to worship, a reminder of Who is sovereign.
Yahweh.
And who is not.
David. (and me)

Your Spirit carried David deeper after You reminded him to pick up worship instead of worry.
You anchored him in truth, replanting his feet off of himself and into the steadfast faithfulness of Your heart and character.

I sought the Lord
and He answered me.

Pause. Break. Cease.
B R E A T H E

Was David weeping now as Your Spirit crashed over his heart?
As you assuaged his fears?
As you pointed him towards Your heart of boundless love and towards Your ear that never wearies of listening and is always fully present to our cries?

Did David’s arms lift heavenward as his knees fell to the floor as You taught Him wisdom?
Did his voice catch as he spoke the Spirit-led refrain in jagged words, one after the other, slowly, like a steady rain, gradually bringing the cracked, dry soil of his heart back to life?
Was his face upturned as the tears ran over his beard and Your Spirit danced within him,
reshaping his heart?

I sought the Lord
and
He
answered
me.

You answered me, Lord.
You always answer me.
Every cry is heard.
Every tear is seen.
Every gaping open wound is held firm by Your hand as You heal.

Thousands of generations later, I whisper with outstretched arms, tears coursing down my cheeks, and Your Spirit bringing me back to life, moving me away from the jaws of anxious fear and hurtful interactions and into the sweet embrace of being known, seen, heard, and answered.

I sought the Lord and He answered me.

David’s outstretched hands now burst with energy, lifting higher still.
A wild grin spreads across his face, making the skin stretch where the salty trails have left their mark.
He’s been made new.
Again.

Joy floods his soul for his God has heard and answered.
Fear flees, peace rushes in.
Those who look to You, Yahweh, are radiant with joy!
Their faces will never be ashamed.

The fear that had held David hostage, clamping its fist around his throat is no longer remembered as radiant joy brings laughter instead of tears,
light to his eyes instead of terror,
and dancing to his feet.

David has stood in the very presence of Radiant Joy.
Where fear and shame once held him, David now parades with glee.

I wonder the observations others must have made following those moments he spent with You, Lord. Distant, withdrawn, snapping at others, a dark look and demeanor cloaking him, but then light flooding his countenance, peace pervading his every action, and joy fueling his words and interactions.

And such magnificent transformation is the norm for those who dwell in the presence of the Most High God!

How would You have me handle my stress, Lord?
How can I possibly love with my words and actions when anxiety and fear overtake me?
Too many ‘must accomplish’ tasks and no more time.
Annoyed at people.
Withdrawn and overwhelmed, pushing others away.

One word.
Worship.

Abba, forgive me for trusting myself instead of You.
Thank you for filling me with a peace that passes all comprehension and transforming me with undeniably radiant joy as you make me wise.
You Are My Good!

Share your thoughts from today’s Journey Study!
Can we pray for you?
Sign up to receive every Journey Study!
Join our Facebook Community!

Join the GT Community and share your thoughts!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Focus Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Focus!